In exactly two weeks, on Sunday, August 17 at 9:15 PM, Milan will officially kick off its season: the first competitive match for the Rossoneri, against Bari in the Round of 64 of the Coppa Italia at San Siro. A game that the new Milan coach, Massimiliano Allegri, has had in his sights since his very first press conference on July 7, the day of the team's preseason gathering. A match that will provide the first real, albeit partial, answers about the state of the Milan squad, given the transfer window is still open and the time of year. So, with 14 days to go before the first official match: where does Allegri’s new Milan stand?
Allegri's touch
Let’s start with the positives. Massimiliano Allegri. The coach from Livorno has returned to the Rossoneri bench after eleven years, and he’s done so with great enthusiasm. An energy that’s been felt not only in words but also seen on the pitch, in the intensity of the training sessions and the positive team spirit that many Milan players have spoken about over the past weeks. Allegri’s touch has already been visible on the field. Three friendlies played during the Asia-Pacific tour showcased, despite absences and players still getting into shape, a more compact and balanced team in terms of attitude, one focused on maximizing the strengths of its best players. To name one example: Leao’s sheer dominance in open space. The next two tests, against Leeds and Chelsea in six and seven days respectively, will be more telling, but the direction Allegri has taken seems to be the right one.
Incomplete Squad
From the transfer market, however, more is still expected. Milan currently has two clear gaps in its squad: one at right-back, where only Jimenez (and, if needed, Filippo Terracciano) is available, and the other at center-forward, a position currently occupied only by Santiago Gimenez, who will return to training on Tuesday the 5th. The Rossoneri are working to resolve the full-back issue first, with interest in Zachary Athekame, the Swiss right-back from Young Boys. As for the striker position, many names are being floated, but no decisive move has yet been made. The feeling is that this deal will be one for the final weeks of the window, possibly a loan with an option to buy. Additionally, there’s still the unresolved saga of Ardon Jashari. If the midfielder doesn’t arrive, Milan will need to decide whether to target other profiles instead.
Source: Milan News
